Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Penile fracture
Introduction
Template:Search infobox Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.
Overview
Overview
A penile fracture is an injury caused by the rupture of the tunica albuginea, which envelopes the corpus cavernosum penis. It is an uncommon injury, most often caused by a blunt trauma to an erect penis. A popping or cracking sound, significant pain, immediate detumescence, and skin hematoma of various sizes are commonly associated with the event. Penile fracture is generally considered a medical emergency, and emergency medical surgical repair is the usual treatment. Delay in seeking treatment increases the complication rate. Non-surgical approaches result in 10%-50% complication rates including erectile dysfunction, permanent penile curvature, damage to the urethra, and pain during sexual intercourse.
In the western hemisphere the most common cause, accounting for about 30%-50% of cases, is intercourse. Of those, woman-on-top positions resulting in impact against the female pelvis or perineum and bending laterally are most common. In Middle Eastern countries the common cause is physical manipulation of the penis to remove an erection.[1] [2]